Resolve rental disputes
before they reach court.
A text-based mediation tool for tenants and landlords. Avoid the stress of an eviction filing.
Resources
Understand your rights and options
Select your role to see guides tailored to your situation.
Eviction process – overview
The eviction process usually has four steps: notice, filing of an eviction, a court hearing, and a judgment.
- Notice
- Your landlord must give you a written "Notice to Leave the Premises".
- It explains why you are being asked to leave and gives a few days to fix the issue or move out.
- Common notices include a 3-day notice for not paying rent or a notice for violating the lease.
- Filing the eviction case
- If the problem is not fixed and you do not move out, your landlord can file an eviction in court.
- You will receive a summons with the date of your hearing.
- Court hearing
- The hearing usually happens 2–3 weeks after filing.
- You and your landlord can explain your positions, bring documents, and bring witnesses.
- Judgment
- If the landlord wins, they receive a Writ of Restitution allowing them to retake the property.
- If you win, you may stay or be awarded money for certain issues.
For step-by-step housing help, visit Ohio Legal Help.
I'm facing eviction
Are you behind on rent or did you get a notice from your landlord?
Yes. You may be in the early stages of the eviction process. Our text-based mediation tool lets you communicate with your landlord and try to solve the dispute before an eviction is filed.
No. If you think you may fall behind soon, you can still use the mediation tool to talk with your landlord before an issue turns into a case.
Other housing issues
If your issue is not about eviction, you can find step-by-step help at Ohio Legal Help. They can assist with:
- Problems with repairs
- Security deposits
- Discrimination and fair housing
- Rent increases
- Utility shutoffs
- Issues with neighbors and more
Learn about your options
Before deciding what to do next, it's important to understand the different paths available — mediation, going to court, or taking no action.
For a full breakdown including pros, risks, and what to expect, download the PDF below.
Eviction process – overview
The eviction process usually has four steps: notice, filing of an eviction, a court hearing, and a judgment.
- Notice
- You must give the tenant written notice called a "Notice to Leave the Premises".
- It explains why the tenant is being asked to leave and gives them a few days to fix the issue or move out.
- Most notices are 3-day notices for non-payment of rent.
- Filing the eviction case
- If the issue is not fixed or the tenant does not move out, you may file an eviction case with the court.
- The court schedules a hearing and sends a summons to the tenant.
- Court hearing
- At the hearing, both you and the tenant can explain what happened.
- You may bring documents, witnesses, or other information.
- Judgment
- If the eviction is granted, the court issues a Writ of Restitution allowing you to retake the property.
- If the tenant wins, they can stay and may be awarded money for certain issues.
For more information, visit Ohio Legal Help.
Start a conversation with your tenant
Our online mediation tool allows landlords and tenants to communicate before filing an eviction. You can use it to:
- Talk with a tenant about late rent
- Clarify misunderstandings about the lease
- Try to reach a payment plan or other resolution
- Avoid the cost and stress of filing an eviction
Other housing or property issues
If your issue is not mainly about eviction or mediation — for example: repairs, fair housing, security deposits, neighbor disputes, or housing vouchers — you can find clear information at Ohio Legal Help.
Learn about your options
Before deciding what to do next, it's important to understand the different paths available — mediation, going to court, or taking no action.
For a full breakdown including pros, risks, and what to expect, download the PDF below.